We’ll take a wild guess here and say that walking – and specifically the Walk1000Miles challenge – has had a positive effect on how it feels to be you. And you’re not alone! Read the heartening stories of walkers who’ve transformed the way they feel, just by putting one foot in front of the other.
‘Aren’t we lucky?‘
‘Following treatment for melanoma and my initial fear of being in the sun, walking has taught me to love being outdoors again – with a big hat and plenty of SPF. The inspiring stories in the Walk 1000 Miles Facebook group have been instrumental in my recovery. Aren’t we lucky to have discovered something so wonderful together?’ – Helen Louise
‘Happy, grateful and proud’
‘I’m beyond happy, proud and grateful to this wonderful challenge for helping sort out my mental health and my fitness. I’ve achieved at least 1000 ‘boots‑on’ miles each year since 2022. My love for walking has always been there, but it’s ramped up even more as I’m in competition with myself to do the very best I can. Everyone is different, with their own challenges to overcome, but the motivators are the same: the amazing views and fantastic company of like-minded people, the treats we reward ourselves with, seeing new places, mini-breaks – with my boyfriend I met in my local walking group – and the pride and fulfilment. Now I’ve hit 1000 miles, I have my sights on 1500. Good luck to each and every one of you, I hope you get exactly what you want to out of your journey!’ – Sam Flux
‘I’m kinder to myself’
‘There have been times I didn’t think I could do it. I have really suffered with my back this year and some walks have been a real challenge but I’ve pecked away at it, recording any short walk I do as well as the planned, longer walks. A walk to the shop round the corner can yield half a mile and it has all counted. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself, only do what my back allows, and I’m especially pleased to have already completed over 1000 miles so far this year.’ – Janine Saunders
‘Priceless’
‘I climbed Tryfan and I am NOT good with heights! I’ve been trying to organise this for two years – several dates were cancelled due to weather and life stuff getting in the way but last month we made it on a fabulous clear day. The best ever in fact! We went up the North Ridge led by a friend who’d been a mountain leader which gave us the confidence to do this priceless thing. Highly recommended.’ – Anna Dann
